imaginative

adjective

i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
Definition of imaginativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imaginative Their sets feature cool jumps, monstrous obstacles and cityscapes that expand on the iconic orange track, and each is aimed at inspiring creativity and imaginative play. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 The other, more imaginative name the team had dreamed up was BlackBerry. — HubSpot, 31 July 2026 The songs might be entertaining to kids, but their real power is their ability to inspire kids to switch on their imaginative powers. — Parents, 31 July 2026 Blending historical inspiration with imaginative storytelling, Watkins’ novel offers readers an engaging journey where suspense, family bonds, and personal resilience take center stage. — William Jones, USA Today, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
  1. inventive
  2. innovative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • All the entries are highly personal, bracingly creative and audaciously inventive recreations of immortal standards familiar throughout the world.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Dinner Time The Nest brings an upscale sensibility to the burger joint, with gourmet beef, bison, and black bean patties dressed in inventive combinations, plus a full menu of alternatives for anyone not in a burger mood.
    — John Godfrey Published, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • The 51 projects — 40 features, six series, and five innovative or immersive works — all looking for production and financing partners, will be presented at the inaugural TIFF industry market.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Market, which runs September 10-16, will launch 51 projects – 40 features, six series and five innovative or immersive works – that are all looking for production and financing partners.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • The creative team also includes Alex Lacamoire on music supervision and orchestrations, David Korins on scenic design, Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser on costume design, Natasha Katz on lighting design and Peter Hylenski on sound design.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • As the perfumery acknowledges, these collaborations allow the brand to gain exposure in other creative spheres while also creating a product that is reflective of both specialties.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The screenplay by Samy Burch (Oscar-nominated for May December) features one clever gag after another, such as Road Runner, making a surprise appearance in the courtroom, delivering his testimony via beeps.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than requiring you to completely detach the blades or assemble the rotor head using screws or tools in the field, the R1 uses a clever flexible four-blade geometry.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Alex is a talented dominatrix, heroin addict, and the most powerful, magnetic and beautiful woman in every room.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Anthony Fasano shared the tight end room in Kelce’s first two years in Kansas City — which Kelce lovingly refers to as his knucklehead days — and described a talented player teetering of the edge of blowing an opportunity.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

imagination
imaginative
imaginativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imaginative

Nglish: Translation of imaginative for Spanish Speakers

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